CalWORKs approved me for only $36/month with $1800 income and $1000 rent - appeal worth it?

That benefit amount makes sense with your income level. CalWORKs has very low income limits, and at $1800/month you're right at the upper threshold for a family of 2. The $36 is called a "minimum basic grant" that happens when your countable income is just below the cutoff. While an appeal probably won't change the cash amount, there are other benefits to having an active CalWORKs case even with minimal cash aid: - You should automatically qualify for maximum CalFresh benefits - You're eligible for childcare assistance through CalWORKs (this is HUGE and worth thousands) - You'll have priority for other services like job training and education I'd suggest taking the $36 and asking your worker specifically about childcare benefits - that's where the real value is in your situation.

i got $42 last year and my worker told me I should still take it cuz of the childcare!!! ended up saving me like $900 a month for my kids daycare, waaaaay better than the cash tbh

Your situation is actually very common. The $36 is correct based on your income - they use a formula that subtracts your "net nonexempt income" from the "maximum aid payment" for your family size. At $1800 monthly income, you're very close to the income limit. BUT - the childcare benefit is where you'll see real value. You need to: 1. Ask for the CCP 2145 form (Request for CalWORKs Stage One Child Care) 2. Complete and return it ASAP 3. Provide verification of your work hours and your childcare provider's information Since you work 25 hours/week, you should already be meeting your Welfare to Work requirements. The childcare benefit should cover your full $800/month daycare costs. Also, make sure you're getting CalFresh (food stamps) which you should now qualify for at the maximum amount for 2 people (around $505/month in 2025).

dont appeal!! i tried to appeal a similar amount last year and wasted 3 months waiting for a hearing just to be told it was correct. focus on the other benefits like everyone is saying

Has anyone tried reaching their worker to actually get these additional benefits? I've had CalWORKs for 2 years and NEVER can get my worker on the phone. I've been trying to ask about childcare for weeks but keep getting voicemail and no callbacks. So frustrating!!!!

Thanks everyone for your help! I called today and requested the childcare form (had to wait 45 mins but finally got through). The worker confirmed I qualify for the childcare program and it will cover my daughter's daycare 100%! That's $800/month I won't have to worry about. I'm also applying for CalFresh like you all suggested. Feeling much better about this now - the $36 cash isn't much but the other benefits are going to make a huge difference for us.

i dont understand why they even bother with such small amounts?? like why not just give people an actual helpful amount that makes a difference? $36 doesnt even fill my gas tank ONE time to get to work. the whole system makes no sense sometimes.

Make sure you also ask about the $30 monthly diaper stipend since your child is under 5! It's an additional benefit on top of your regular grant amount that many workers forget to mention. Every little bit helps!